Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Yen Tu Monastery

Visit a Buddhist Zen Meditation Center Learn about Vietnam’s history and Buddhist traditions at one of the country’s major religious centers. Embark on a scenic ride from Ha Long port through the lush Vietnamese countryside and the mountainous region of Yen Tu. It was in this idyllic landscape that King Tran Nhan Tong chose to build a monastery after defeating the Mongol invaders in the late 13th century. Visit the Yen Tu Monastery, which for centuries has been a leading light in the development and consolidation of Vietnamese Buddhist practices. Learn more about the lives of the Vietnamese monks at the foot of Yen Tu Mountain and enjoy a warm welcome by one of the monastery’s residents. Enjoy an insightful discussion on spirituality and learn about Buddhist and Zen practices, which emphasize meditation and intuition over ritual worship and the study of scriptures. After your fascinating tour, return to your ship. * Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.